In [their Game 5 loss](https://8points9seconds.com/pacers-find-compelling-silver-lining-game-5-loss-that-could-end-knicks-season) against the New York Knicks, many problems surfaced for the Indiana Pacers. One of the biggest ones, however, is Andrew Nembhard's inefficiency and lack of aggressiveness.
After a stellar start to the series, Nembhard has struggled in recent games. Across his last three games, the Canadian native is averaging 6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals while shooting 23.1% from the field and 16.7% from beyond the arc. Nembhard had another poor performance in Game 5 and even passed up an open layup.
There is no denying that Nembhard is crucial to Indiana's success. He is valuable on both sides of the ball and can be an X-factor when he is hot. However, the Pacers have not gotten the best of him over the last few games. With the Knicks aiming to come back in the series, the Pacers must bring their A-game from here on out. Unfortunately for them, they have had a major Nembhard problem recently that could make this incredibly challenging.
Pacers can't afford Andrew Nembhard becoming a non-factor on offense
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Nembhard is not necessarily Indiana's most important player, but he is up there because of his contributions on both sides of the ball. However, he has been a non-factor offensively in the team's last few games. The Pacers are still up in the series and are just one win away from an NBA Finals appearance. However, if Game 5 was any indication, the Knicks are not ready to give up just yet, and this series is far from over.
The 25-year-old can be a bit streaky at times, and that is continuing to prove true in the conference finals. However, when he is on, Nembhard provides a huge boost for the Pacers that makes them difficult to beat. As the Pacers look to take care of business and send the Knicks home, they need Nembhard to be a factor on both sides of the ball.
Fortunately for Indiana, Nembhard is more than capable of bouncing back. Despite his recent struggles, he has been [productive for most of the playoffs](https://8points9seconds.com/the-bucks-have-absolutely-no-answer-for-playoff-nembhard). Through 15 postseason games so far, he is averaging 12.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting 49.1% from the three-point line.
Nembhard will have his next opportunity to turn it around when he and the team head back to Indiana for the final time this series on Saturday night. As the Pacers look to secure one more victory and head back to the NBA Finals, they will need all hands on deck, and that includes Nembhard, who the team will hope can return to form.